"Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going."
- Paul Theroux

WORLD OF AIRDA

Views and Interviews

October 2024

Industry Awareness Feature

Unlocking the World of Timeshares: Book Review


Are you intrigued by the world of timeshare and vacation ownership? Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or a curious newcomer, the Approved Timeshare Industry Textbook is your compass to navigate this fast-growing vertical in the tourism industry.

This exhaustive publication is meticulously researched, exploring the intricacies of the timeshare industry from several points of view. It is an invaluable resource for professionals, students, and consumers seeking an authoritative guide.



Brought to you by industry experts Jim Forde and the Arda International Foundation, this comprehensive guide covers everything from a historical context to evolving practices in the industry.

  • Industry professionals: Developers, marketers, and managers will benefit from Forde's expertise and guidance, gaining valuable insights to improve their operations and stay competitive.
  • Students: Those studying hospitality, tourism, or business will find this textbook a valuable resource, providing a comprehensive understanding of the timeshare industry.
  • Consumers: Individuals considering timeshare purchases or already involved in timesharing will gain a deeper understanding of the industry, enabling them to make informed decisions.


From origins of timeshare, to current-day industry practices
Foundations and History: Dive into the origins of the timeshare industry, understanding how they evolved from early vacation ownership models. Explore the pioneers who shaped the industry and learn about pivotal moments that led to its growth.

Policies and Procedures: From legal frameworks to operational guidelines, this book demystifies the intricate web of timeshare policies. Discover best practices for sales, marketing, and customer service.

Audience: Whether you’re a real estate professional, a resort manager, or a student aiming for a career in timeshares, this book caters to your needs. It bridges theory and practice, making it an essential resource.

Practical Insights: The book provides access to relevant online resources. Additionally, it equips potential buyers with informed decision-making tools.



In-depth coverage of industry-relevant information

  • In-depth coverage: Forde provides a detailed exploration of the timeshare industry, covering its history, legal aspects, marketing strategies, consumer protection, and more. He leaves no stone unturned, ensuring readers gain a thorough understanding of the industry.
  • Industry insights: As a seasoned expert, Forde shares his knowledge and experience, offering practical advice and real-world examples. His expertise shines through, making the book an essential read for industry professionals.
  • Well-structured: The book is organized logically, with clear headings and concise chapters, making it easy to follow and reference specific topics.
  • Neutral perspective: Forde maintains a balanced view, presenting both the benefits and drawbacks of timesharing. This neutrality ensures readers receive an unbiased education on the industry.
  • Up-to-date information: The book covers (recent developments)* and trends in the timeshare industry, ensuring readers stay current with industry changes.


Book summary for busy professionals:
The Approved Timeshare Industry Textbook is a gateway to a fascinating industry. Whether you’re considering a career shift or planning your next vacation, this book offers valuable insights.

  • Accessible writing style: Forde's writing is clear and concise, making the book an enjoyable read for both industry experts and those new to the subject.
  • Case studies and examples: Forde includes real-world case studies and examples, making the content more relatable and easier to understand.
  • Glossary and resources: The book includes a comprehensive glossary and additional resources, providing readers with a quick reference guide and further learning opportunities.
  • Objective analysis: Forde's objective analysis of the timeshare industry's strengths and weaknesses helps readers form a balanced opinion.
  • Future outlook: The book discusses future trends and challenges in the timeshare industry, preparing readers for what's to come.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available data up to 2017. This review is intended to provide an independent and informative assessment. It was generated in collaboration with an AI assistant and is based on publicly available information about the book.


You can buy this book on Amazon India using this link




Useful links

AIRDA Website
About AIRDA
The AIRDA advantage
Timeshare FAQs
List of AIRDA members


Image credits: Two images from the Amazon India book-listing page. And two images licensed from Freepik.


Content Disclaimer: The views expressed in our interviews and stories do not necessarily reflect the official policies, practices, and guidelines of the All India Resort Development Association, or its members. These views are based on personal experiences, private opinions, or open-source information. Images used here are either paid-for stock photos, images shared by the people we interview, or images under one of the open-source licenses such as Creative Commons and others. For some of our features, we acknowledge the use of AI referencing and writing inputs from Bard (Google), Bing/Edge (Microsoft), Meta AI (Facebook), and versions of ChatGPT (OpenAI). We also acknowledge the use of publicly available AI assistants to generate relevant images for our feature stories.

Here’s a link to some recent interviews done by us on the AIRDA website

Virtual Tours

Welcome to AIRDA's virtual tours gallery - an initiative to provide an enhanced visual experience of our member properties.



If you would like to see how 360-degree panorama can work for you and give your customers an enhanced visual experience, please get in touch. Write to us at info@airda.org for more information.


Membership

Benefits for Resort Owners

What does an AIRDA membership mean to resort owners and developers? AIRDA comes in as your industry partner, conscience keeper and business catalyst - with a wide portfolio of support services.

Benefits for Consumers

What does AIRDA mean to holiday seekers and prospective customers? AIRDA comes in to provide information and offer guidelines on making the right timeshare decisions.

Get in Touch

Email: info@airda.org
Phone: 080 41255007 / 08

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